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Junior Member Programs
Hello Everyone, I've started this post to get some insight on how other departments manage their Junior members. Recently at my department i was tasked to become our "Junior Advisor" and oversee our junior program. We've had junior members for years, and certainly since my start there 6 yrs ago when i joined as a junior. Having said that, we dont have any kind of "fomal" structured program. Of course we have ground rules and SOP's governing our juniors and their actions, but ive been doing some research online and would really like to put together a well structured program.
When i was junior immediately became one of "the guys." I joined, was given crappy gear with holes in it, and a yellow "salad bowl helmet."(our dept wears 1010's usually.) Once the guys figured out i was there and legit i was accepted, which took about 3 days. I was given a black 1010, brand new turnout gear, and was allowed to ride everything once i completed my probie packet.
That was in 2005. Now our juniors have to complete 2/3 of the 3 module probie packet prior to being issued gear. They must attend a mandatory "new member orientation" to be taught accountability and given a brief overview of NIMS, before being issued their uniforms. Once they have turnout gear and uniforms, they may start riding the apparatus after they have demonstrated competency in operation of all equipment on the apparatus and its location.
As stated above, I would like to create a well structure program for our juniors to progress into becoming a senior FF. I want to confident in their knowledge skills and ability once they turn 18 and i present them to the chief. Any help or insight to how junior programs work at your department would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all in advance. Stay safe out there.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by ashfire on
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I know there is a program through the same agency that provide info on CERTs and Fire Corps for fire dept junior programs. Check and see if the state where you live has programs. Check other depts in the state for their programs.
Check the Boy Scouts Of America for Explorer or Adventure programs for emergency service programs.
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Permalink Reply by Philip Liggins on
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Thanks i'll look into that!!!
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Permalink Reply by cadet 911 on
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i wouled like to help u on that but considering my dept is ran like a high school and our rules change every day. but we go with the boys scouts thay have fire and ems insureance for cadets / explorers .but we have had problems with them like my first two years on the dept the guy from the boys scouts said we had insureance but we didnt so you have to check that to.
cdt.bc.T.Boyd
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Permalink Reply by Andrew on
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I am currently an explorer. It sounds like you have a really good start to your program with the 2/3 of the packet. The best way I have seen a explorer/Jr. Dept. run is, teach them the basics--ie pull a preconnect, throw ladders, take hydrants, change bottles, etc. In all reality thats what an explorer should be doing. Some people say they need to stay way back and just watch, but a lot of these things can be done safely, with some education. My dad--17 yr paid Lt.--runs our program and puts out "newbies" through a 7 month academy. We only drill once a week so it is more like 28 2hr days. Then they are "tested" to make sure they can do the basic explorer tasks, pull a preconnect to the door, take a hydrant, throw a ladder, clean a fire station. After that they can ride along. Just some suggestions, feel free to send me a message if you want some more information. Good post, thanks.
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